At the AOIC we are committed to minimising the environmental impact of the work that we do. In this policy, we outline our key environmental pillars, with a summary of what we’re doing to address each area.
This policy was created in June 2024 and we will review the policy annually. We are always open to ideas and suggestions for improvement from our members and staff.
AOIC Sustainability Policy
1) Raising awareness
- We will give continued prominence to this policy on our website.
- We will encourage all our members to create their own sustainability policies and work alongside their clients to help make their events more sustainable.
- We will use the AOIC conferences and the National Celebrants’ Convention as an opportunity to engage members in this area.
- We will work alongside other organisations and a sustainability champion who is able to offer support and guidance as part of our continual review of this policy.
- We will endeavour hold at least two CPD sessions per year on sustainability-related topics, e.g. natural burial, eco-friendly weddings. These will all be recorded and available for members to watch at any time on our CPD page.
2) Events
- When planning our key events, we will endeavour to source venues which are actively working to improve their approach to sustainability and a clear sustainability policy in place.
- We will source venues that are near a train or bus station and encourage attendees to travel by public transport. For those driving, we will encourage carpooling with other members in their area who plan to drive.
- We will keep printing and production of event resources to a minimum.
- We will minimise plastic use, e.g. for display items or delegate resources.
3) Travel
- Where possible, we will hold meetings and events online.
- Occasionally, AOIC staff and committee members are required to travel to attend meetings, events, and conferences. When planning these events, we will ask individuals to use public transport rather than driving, where possible.
- Where this is not possible or practical, we will encourage and research options for carpooling.
- We will endeavour to assign the most local suitable member of staff or committee to the events we attend to reduce travel impact.
4) Places of work
- We will endeavour to educate staff and committee members on sustainable practices that they can adopt when working from home and in the office. This includes advice on heating only the workspace as opposed to the whole office, sourcing energy from renewable and green energy tariffs, utilising energy-efficient equipment (such as LED lighting), applying energy conservation settings to IT systems where possible, working with sustainable web-hosting providers and turning off appliances when not in use.
5) Products and printing
- We will prioritise digital communication over printed resources. While it is sometimes necessary to print resources (such as promotional leaflets, certificates, and welcome letters), we will continually review the printed resources we produce and circulate to members, moving things online where possible.
- We will use fully biodegradable, recycled and recyclable materials for office printing. When ordering products, we will give preference to local and ethically produced options.
- We will order recyclable products wherever possible and will order resources in relatively low quantities to ensure they can be used. Redundant stock will be recycled.
- Once we have used all plastic products already in stock, we will work towards a zero-plastic approach, meaning all products produced or ordered by the AOIC will be plastic-free.
6) Food
- At events that we run, we will ensure a good choice of vegetarian and vegan options are available.
- Where possible, will endeavour to source venues that place focus on sustainability, offering locally sourced food and drink.
7) Collaboration with other organisations
- We will actively seek links and partnerships with organisations that can guide us in our sustainable practices. This includes the Sustainable Wedding Alliance, the Natural Death Centre, and The Carbon Trust.
- We will encourage the participation of such organisations at our events and CPD sessions.